Why Volunteer?

Local teens who participated in a diabetes study and research staff having fun at City Climb, Science Park, New Haven L to R: Jacob Conte, Rachel Hicks, Anthony Alvarez, Clinical Research Nurse Amy Steffen, Study Lead Investigator Stuart Weinzimer, Jacob Liedke, Tara Claflin.

There is no substitute for the people who participate in clinical research. The information provided by volunteers can't be found under a microscope, in a test tube or even by using the most technologically advanced scientific instruments. Volunteers like you are the only way for medical breakthroughs to reach the public.

On a more personal level, why should you volunteer for a clinical study? There are many reasons:

Some people have a condition that is being treated effectively but still want to assist in developing new treatments.

Sometimes people have a friend or loved one with an illness or injury and they want to participate in a research study as a way of helping that person and others who may suffer from the same condition.

It may be that there is no effective treatment for an illness or injury or the existing treatment has harsh side effects. Participating in a clinical trial may offer potential treatment options that might otherwise be unavailable.

Many people choose to participate in a study even though it might not be able to help them directly. Knowing that others may be able to benefit from their efforts can be a rewarding experience.

Sometimes people volunteer because they are compensated for their time and effort.

Each one of us benefits every day from clinical research. Your blood pressure medicine, your wife's breast cancer treatment, your son's asthma inhaler, the latest Alzheimer's drug that your mom is taking – all of these are available to you because of clinical studies that show they are safe and effective. None of them would be possible without volunteers who were willing to take part in clinical studies.

Questions on Clinical Research Financial Considerations?

When participating in a research study, a study team member will explain the benefits and risks of participating in the study you’re considering. It’s also important for you to understand if you will have any financial responsibilities associated with participation in the research study. Click here to read answers to these questions.

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How will my information be used?

When you express interest in a specific study, the information from your profile will be sent to the doctor conducting that study. If you're eligible to participate, you may be contacted by a nurse or study coordinator.

If you select a health category rather than a specific study, doctors who have active studies in that area may contact you to ask if you would like to participate.

In both cases, you will be contacted by the preferred method (email or phone) that you specified in your profile.

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Yale Center for Clinical Investigation

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